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Empirical represents some of the world’s most renowned products in the field of radio broadcasting.
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FAQ
Can Genesys be used for music scheduling?
Can Genesys be used for music scheduling? Yes – but it is not ideal. You can drag and drop audio from the file list onto the playlist, but it doesn’t save it so you cannot schedule ahead. If you exit the program – the playlist will be cleared. We recommend Powergold as you can set up rules and actions and clocks. This means you can control what audio goes out and you are able to run an audit afterwards to see what changed. It also allows you to ensure you are meeting the local content regulations.
Why Powergold and not some other scheduler?
Powergold is incredibly robust and designed so that you have absolute control over the audio played on air. They have integrated natural clocks and rules which make scheduling a breeze. You can also put the various songs into different categories, and ensure that the same song doesn’t play twice if it is in two different categories.
Does Genesys record what is going out on air?
No, it is a playout system. We use Audiofile to capture the stream and archive it.
Why would you need to capture the stream?
It is useful as proof as to what happened on air – that ads were flighted at the correct times. It also allows you to grab sections of the audio for podcasts. If you have interviews with important people, those can be put into an archive and used again.
How do we decide on a music format for our radio station?
When deciding on a music format for a radio station, several factors should be considered to ensure that the format is a good fit for the target audience and the station’s goals. Here are some things to consider:
Target audience: The music format should be designed to appeal to the target audience of the radio station. Consider the age, gender, location, and musical preferences of the target audience when selecting a format.
Competition: Consider the competition in the market and choose a music format that is distinctive from other radio stations in the area.
Market research: Conduct market research to determine the musical preferences of the target audience, and use this information to select a music format that will appeal to them.
Brand identity: Consider the existing brand identity of the radio station and select a music format that is consistent with the brand and values of the station.
Music library: The radio station should have a music library that is large enough to support the chosen music format, with a variety of songs from different eras and styles.
Licensing and royalties: Consider the licensing and royalties that will be required to play the chosen music format on the air, and ensure that the station has the necessary permissions and budget to support the format.
Program scheduling: The music format should be structured in a way that allows for variety and programming consistency, with DJs or hosts who can provide context and engagement with the audience.
In summary, selecting a music format for a radio station should consider the target audience, competition, market research, brand identity, music library, licensing and royalties, and program scheduling. By considering these factors, a radio station can select a music format that will attract and retain listeners, generate advertising revenue, and support the station’s goals.
Why is having a music format important to a radio station?
Having a music format is important to a radio station for several reasons:
Audience appeal: Music formats are designed to appeal to specific target audiences, allowing radio stations to attract and retain listeners who are interested in a particular genre or style of music.
Brand identity: Music formats can help to establish a radio station’s brand identity, making it easier for listeners to identify and remember the station.
Advertising revenue: Radio stations that have a defined music format are more attractive to advertisers who are looking to reach a specific target audience. This can lead to increased advertising revenue for the station.
Programming consistency: A music format provides a framework for programming consistency, ensuring that listeners know what to expect when tuning into a particular radio station.
Music licensing: Music formats can make it easier for radio stations to obtain the necessary licenses for playing music on the air. This can help to avoid legal issues related to copyright infringement.
Listener engagement: A music format can help to engage listeners by providing them with a sense of community and shared musical interests. This can lead to increased listener loyalty and participation in station events and promotions.
In summary, having a music format is important to a radio station because it helps to attract and retain listeners, establish a brand identity, generate advertising revenue, ensure programming consistency, facilitate music licensing, and engage listeners.
Is it important to employ a Music Manager?
Yes, it is important for a radio station to appoint someone as a music manager. The music manager is responsible for managing the station’s music library and ensuring that the music programming is consistent with the station’s format and target audience. Here are some reasons why a music manager is important:
Music library management: The music manager is responsible for managing the station’s music library, including selecting and acquiring new music, cataloging and organizing music, and ensuring that all music is properly licensed and tagged.
Programming consistency: The music manager ensures that the music programming is consistent with the station’s format and target audience, selecting music that fits the format and scheduling songs in a way that maintains programming consistency.
Music research: The music manager conducts research on music trends and listener preferences, using this information to inform music selection and programming decisions.
Artist relations: The music manager develops relationships with record labels, artists, and other music industry professionals, ensuring that the station has access to the latest music releases and exclusive content.
Music scheduling: The music manager creates playlists and schedules songs to ensure that the station’s music programming is engaging and compelling to listeners.
Legal compliance: The music manager ensures that all music played on the station is properly licensed and tagged, avoiding legal issues related to copyright infringement.
In summary, a music manager is important for a radio station because they are responsible for managing the music library, maintaining programming consistency, conducting music research, developing artist relations, scheduling music, and ensuring legal compliance. By appointing a music manager, a radio station can ensure that its music programming is of high quality and consistent with the station’s goals and target audience.
What factors can contribute to the success of a radio station?
Quality programming: A successful radio station offers high-quality programming that resonates with its target audience. This can include a mix of music, news, talk shows, and other content that is relevant and engaging.
Strong branding: A successful radio station has a strong and recognizable brand that helps it stand out in a crowded market. This can include a consistent tone, message, and style across all marketing and promotional materials.
Engaged audience: A successful radio station has an engaged and loyal audience that tunes in regularly and interacts with the station through social media, contests, and other channels.
Skilled on-air personalities: A successful radio station has skilled and engaging on-air personalities who connect with listeners and keep them engaged and entertained.
Effective marketing: A successful radio station has a strong marketing strategy that includes targeted advertising, social media promotion, and other tactics to reach its target audience.
Technological innovation: A successful radio station stays up-to-date with the latest technological advances, such as streaming, podcasting, and mobile apps, to make it easier for listeners to access its content.
Strong community involvement: A successful radio station is involved in the local community, whether through charity events, sponsorships, or other initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to the community and build goodwill among listeners.
Overall, the success of a radio station depends on a combination of factors, including quality programming, strong branding, an engaged audience, skilled on-air personalities, effective marketing, technological innovation, and community involvement. By focusing on these key areas, a radio station can build a loyal audience and achieve long-term success.
What are some things that should be taken into account when scheduling commercials?
Scheduling commercials on a radio station is a complex process that requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some things that should be taken into account when scheduling commercials:
Target audience: Commercials should be scheduled at times when the target audience is most likely to be listening. This can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, location, and interests.
Program content: Commercials should be scheduled to avoid interrupting important program content or segments that are likely to be of high interest to listeners.
Advertiser preferences: Advertisers may have specific requests or preferences for when their commercials are scheduled, such as specific times of day or specific programs.
Advertiser budget: Advertisers with larger budgets may be willing to pay more to have their commercials scheduled during high-listenership times, such as during morning or evening drive times.
Competition: Commercials should be scheduled to avoid direct competition with other advertisers who are targeting the same audience.
Ad duration: The duration of commercials should be taken into account when scheduling, as longer commercials may require more space between them to avoid listener fatigue.
Regulatory requirements: Radio stations are subject to regulatory requirements regarding commercial content, frequency, and duration, which should be taken into account when scheduling commercials.
Overall, the goal of scheduling commercials on a radio station is to maximize revenue while minimizing listener disruption. By taking into account factors such as target audience, program content, advertiser preferences, budget, competition, ad duration, and regulatory requirements, radio stations can develop effective commercial schedules that meet the needs of advertisers and listeners alike.
What 5 main points I should consider when working to make our station a success?
Engaging Content: A successful radio station provides engaging and relevant content that appeals to its target audience. This includes music, talk shows, news updates, and other segments that keep listeners tuned in.
Strong Branding: A successful radio station has a strong and recognizable brand that sets it apart from its competitors. This includes a catchy name, a memorable logo, and a consistent tone and style across all programming.
Clear Signal: A successful radio station has a clear and reliable signal that reaches its target audience. This means investing in high-quality equipment and choosing the right frequency and broadcasting location.
Skilled DJs and Hosts: A successful radio station has skilled and experienced DJs and hosts who can connect with listeners and keep them engaged. This includes building a rapport with the audience, creating a sense of community, and responding to listener feedback.
Effective Marketing: A successful radio station has an effective marketing strategy that promotes its brand, content, and events to its target audience. This includes social media, email marketing, sponsorships, and other forms of advertising and promotion.
Based on what should a radio station categorize their music?
A radio station should categorize its music based on the station’s format and target audience. Categorizing music is important because it helps to ensure that the station’s programming is consistent and appeals to the target audience. Here are some guidelines for categorizing music:
Station format: The station’s format should be the primary factor in categorizing music. The station’s format will determine what types of music should be played and how the music should be scheduled.
Genre: Within the station’s format, music can be categorized by genre, such as rock, pop, hip-hop, country, jazz, religious, devotional etc.
Era: Music can also be categorized by era, such as 80s, 90s, or current hits. This can help to create programming consistency and appeal to listeners who have nostalgia for certain eras.
Tempo: Music can be categorized by tempo, such as fast, medium, or slow. This can help to create programming variety and keep listeners engaged.
Subgenres: Within each genre, there may be subgenres that can be used to further categorize music, such as indie rock, classic country, or smooth jazz.
Rotation categories: Music can also be categorized based on how often it is played, with different categories such as “heavy rotation “medium rotation” and ” light rotation”. This can help to ensure that songs are played in a way that maintains programming consistency.
In summary, a radio station should categorize its music based on the station’s format, genre, era, tempo, subgenres, and rotation categories. By categorizing music in a way that is consistent with the station’s format and target audience, a radio station can create programming that is engaging, compelling and consistent.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US
If you are working in the radio broadcast sector, in Southern Africa, it’s highly unlikely that you would not have heard of Empirical.
Their service and products provided to the broadcast industry are best in class and are revered by all who rely on them. As a radio station that utilizes Genesys Radio Automation, complimented by PowerGold Music Scheduling, we can only sing the highest praises for these products, in their reliability and versatility, complemented by local and international support, that is second to none. When dealing with the Empirical team, you feel as if you are the most important client in the world. World-class support on top of brilliant products, fairly priced to meet any budget and solution.
I can sing no higher praise for the service we continue to receive (going on 7 years) at Magic 828 in Cape Town, South Africa. Simply outstanding!
Graeme White
Magic 828What a professional company! The owner is very kind, communication is swift and I feel like the clients always take first priority.
We may not be their clients ourselves, but they are our clients, and they are an amazing business and group of people to work with. We also see the caring and dedicated way they work with their clients.
Well done team Empirical!
Rolina Vorster
Rolina Vorster Designs – ROVOSend us your review